Definitions for machicolationməˌtʃɪk əˈleɪ ʃən

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

ma•chic•o•la•tionməˌtʃɪk əˈleɪ ʃən(n.)

  1. an opening in the floor between the corbels of a projecting gallery or parapet, through which missiles might be cast on an enemy below.

    Category: Architecture

  2. a gallery or parapet with such openings.

    Category: Architecture

Origin of machicolation:

1780–90

Princeton's WordNet

  1. machicolation(noun)

    a projecting parapet supported by corbels on a medieval castle; has openings through which stones or boiling water could be dropped on an enemy

Wiktionary

  1. machicolation(Noun)

    An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, shooting or dropping missiles upon assailants attacking the base of the walls. Also, the construction of such defenses, in general, when of this character.

  2. machicolation(Noun)

    The act of discharging missiles or pouring burning or melted substances upon assailants through such apertures.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Machicolation(noun)

    an opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, shooting or dropping missiles upen assailants attacking the base of the walls. Also, the construction of such defenses, in general, when of this character. See Illusts. of Battlement and Castle

  2. Machicolation(noun)

    the act of discharging missiles or pouring burning or melted substances upon assailants through such apertures


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